Tuesday, December 15, 2009

A New Portrait and a Giveaway!

Remember Sunday night's post about Kenzoil, the awesome garlicky-basil salad dressing/dip/marinade made from cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil? Well, the makers of Kenzoil want to give one yummy bottle to a random commenter.

If you want to be entered in the giveaway, just leave a comment at the bottom of this post about what you'd do with Kenzoil if ya had some. On Friday morning (around 10 a.m. CST), I'll use a random number generator to pick a lucky winner. Be sure and leave me a way to contact you (like an e-mail address) if your identity isn't linked another blog. Oh, and the contest is only open to U.S. residents, due to shipping costs.

Besides this exciting giveaway, I also want to share my new portrait with you guys. Here I am at Deja Vu Creole Vegetarian Restaurant in Memphis (936 S. Florida St., if you're ever in town), about to chow down on some BBQ tofu, collard greens, and vegan candied yams:

The photo was taken by Amie Vanderford, an awesome photographer who is currently aiming to shoot 365 Memphians (one a day) for one whole year. In the end, she'll compile the photos into a book.

Amie said she sought out "cool people" in an attempt to show folks that if 365 cool Memphians exist, then Memphis must be a cool place. I didn't know Amie before the shoot, but one of her other subjects recommended me. I'm honored to be considered cool enough for Amie's project, and I'm super-happy to have this fun photo of me in my natural state — about to cram food in my mouth. She asked me to choose my favorite spot in Memphis, so of course I chose a restaurant that serves vegan soul food.

Here's a link to Amie's website if you want to see her other gorgeous photos!

Bianca, you're so darn cute and definitely cool. =)What would I do with Kenzoil? Hmmm...probably dip some crusty bread in it. Or use it on salad. I'd have to taste it to actually get creative with it. =)katrina.burnside@smail.astate.edu

Happened upon your blog a few weeks ago and I've been meaning to comment. Looks like now is a good time. I'd love to try the Kenzoil!

I lived in Memphis for 5 years and grew up in Mississippi. I've been vegetarian for 9 years and always miss soul food (sans meat, of course!). I'm looking forward to your cookbook. And I'm so glad to see there is a veggie soul food restaurant in Memphis. Yum!!

I would serve it as a dipping sauce to my co-workers here in Japan and listen for all the "oishiiiiii"s. Japanese are very vocal about the deliciousness of the food they eat (especially gift food!) which is such a rewarding experience for me when I dare to bring in goodies I made at home.

I think I'd make a sliced portabella, fresh garlic, brown sugar-glazed onion, halved-grape tomato, fresh oregano, and a little mozzerella sheesh pizza on a light wheat crust, and after it is baked to a very friendly golden brown, I'd take it out of the oven and drizzle it with my Kenzoil for a full flavor effect. The oil would dance nicely with all the other flavors of the pizza, and I'd be a very happy camper!

if i got some Kenzoil, i would break a couple large loaves of fresh, nutty whole wheat break, pour it in a dish, and dip the bread it it all night long. drizzle it over some kale and chickpeas mayhaps? so many options!

I would use it to make some delicious salad dressings for my dad...he's on a strict vinegar-free diet at the moment and is missing his favorite dressings! Hopefully I can replace them with something new and exciting concocted with Kenzoil!

First- your picture is adorable and the food looks sooooooooo good! What a cool project to be involved in!

Second- I want that oil!! :) I have been eating greens everyday for breakfast for about a month now- collards and blue kale are my fave. I think the Kenzoil would be awesome drizzled over them with some brown rice or barley. YUM!

Hey! I want to eat at that restaurant! That sounds awesome! Also - I'm entering myself into your Kenzoil contest. I would try it on brussel sprouts. I love brussel sprouts and usually douse them with apple cider vinegar, but I bet they would taste super awesome with some of that Kenzoil on them too!

Oh this stuff looks so yummy! I love anything with a strong garlic flavor. I would try it on some cold pasta salad, some yummy french bread or just a plain ole salad! Your blog is the best. I check it out at least twice a week. Can't wait for your book to come out.